Western Conference Final: Jokic triple-double leads Nuggets to Game 1 win

Nikola Jokic put up a triple-double for the Denver Nuggets as they took Game 1 of the Western Conference Final at home. The #1 seed in the West secured a 132-126 win over the Los Angeles Lakers to win the first game of the series.

In a repeat of the 2020 Western Conference Final, the Nuggets and Lakers faced off in Denver. The Nuggets raced to an 18-point lead by the end of the first half as the Lakers struggled to keep up with them. The Lakers grew into the game in the second half and set up a thrilling finish to Game 1 by winning both the third and fourth quarters.

Jokic recorded his 12th career playoff triple-double with 34 points, 21 rebounds and 14 assists. Jamal Murray added 31 points for the Nuggets and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 21 points in the game.

Anthony Davis scored 40 points and ten rebounds for the Lakers, and LeBron James added 26 points and 12 rebounds. Austin Reaves scored 23 points in the game, as well.

The sides will meet again on Thursday in Denver for Game 2.